MINUTES — PUBLIC – RECREATION, SPORTS AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
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Transformation Process for Surplus Arenas
The document Réflexion sur le plan de transformation des arénas (Reflection on the Arena Transformation Plan) was presented. Members received it before the meeting. The objective of the presentation is to encourage member participation in the reflection aimed at guiding the strategy and analysis of opportunities regarding the arena transformation plan.
Armande Obrou joined the meeting at 3:22 p.m. This file is included in the Commission's work plan. This first presentation of the file aims to inform members of the upcoming process; to identify their possible contribution to the analysis and reflection process; and to instruct them on the next steps. Armande Obrou left the meeting at 3:24 p.m. Quorum was maintained.
Four arenas are currently closed (Robert-Guertin, Campeau, Baribeau, and Beaudry). Three will close over the next few years (Cholette, Sabourin, and Stade-Pierre-Lafontaine). The arenas are dilapidated or will be shortly; bringing them up to standard would require very significant investments. All options will be analyzed regarding their future (demolition, site redevelopment, etc.). The deployment plan includes lists of arenas that will be closed and those that will remain open. Armande Obrou joined the meeting at 3:26 p.m.
Recommendations made by the Service des biens immobiliers (SBI) were reviewed for certain arenas. Characteristics were presented regarding the other arenas. The following question was asked to the members: how do you see the participation of the Commission des loisirs, des sports et du développement communautaire (CLSDC) in the transformation of the arenas?
The presentation prompted the following comments, questions, or clarifications:
- It is important to consult citizens by sector. This consultation process should also include residents' associations. It was specified that important information to remember for these consultations is the fact that not all arenas can be converted. The Robert-Guertin arena is currently being demolished and the decision has been made for the Campeau, Baribeau, and Beaudry arenas. The goal is to know what could be done with the Cholette, Sabourin, and Stade-Pierre-Lafontaine arenas.
- It is desired that the sites remain dedicated to leisure.
- Information was brought to the attention of elected officials that all arenas must be destroyed because they are too dangerous. However, the information presented here seems different. Why? It was emphasized that the municipal council wants to know what could be done for other sports as well as for a more community-oriented use. This involves relaunching the analysis for certain arenas.
- Regarding the possibilities, it is desired to see how the CLSDC can play its monitoring role to identify certain analysis criteria useful for certain redevelopment projects. A call for proposals from the business community and the private sector could make it possible to understand what types of partnerships are possible so as not to lose too much money. If an arena is already being redeveloped for a leisure-related function, that would be a win.
- As for the contents of the Robert-Guertin arena and public donations, this is a complex issue. The interior of the arena is being deconstructed. Lead is present in the paint on the benches. Teams in leisure, arts, and heritage have identified what has heritage value. One hundred and twenty benches have been removed. The SLSDC is analyzing how to proceed with potential donations.
- Since the Cholette and Sabourin arenas are the only ones in the Hull sector, they must not be demolished before the construction of the future sports complex. We must think about the partners affected by the lack of sports facilities, notably the Cégep. The Cholette arena should be redeveloped for leisure purposes. Since Hull has no pool, the Robert-Guertin site could partly have an aquatic vocation. We must go see our partners in the community; citizens, associations, and partners must be consulted. We must consider emerging sports like pickleball. It was recalled that the process has not yet reached a decision-making stage. The objective here is to better understand what role the CLSDC wishes to play. Does it wish to participate as an expert advisor? Contribute to the development of criteria? To the analysis process for redevelopment?
- Elements seem missing in order to take a relevant look at the issue. All details related to the arenas are not known (proposed alternatives, transformation costs, impacts for sports clubs, surrounding infrastructure, level of dilapidation, etc.).
- Attention was drawn to the fact that the condition of the buildings does not allow for immediate occupation. Redevelopment must go beyond the degree of dilapidation. Criteria such as location and type of service would be interesting. All potential users should be analyzed; the goal being to ensure multi-use spaces.
- Redevelopments must take into consideration the elements: zero-cost project or one that generates revenue.
- It is important to take into account the needs of the sectors before making a decision. We must understand the environment and establish what the impact on it will be. If a change in the vocation of the sites is decided, a service must meet the needs of the partners using the arenas. All work must be aligned with the Plan directeur des infrastructures récréatives, sportives et communautaires (Master Plan). We wish to approve the work plan related to redevelopments and the associated follow-ups. The SLSDC must not work in a silo; other departments may have projects that could be carried out on certain sites.
- It was specified that there will be no reduction or disruption of services until an alternative is found.
- Following a question asked, it was indicated that a census of partners interested in certain projects has been done since 2018. Although they are not very advanced, discussions are continuing with partners. Collège Héritage and the Cégep de l'Outaouais were cited. A call for proposals will be launched to gauge the interest of various sectors (business, organizations, developers, etc.) in acquiring and redeveloping the sites or repurposing the facilities.
- Consultations must offer an overview as well as an analysis of the data already collected. It is important to manage expectations well by not starting from a blank page. The file will be presented again to the CLSDC when steps have been taken, namely: the finalization of the steps planned until February 2025 and the presentation to the plenary committee planned for winter 2025.
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Financial Support Program for Residents' Associations
Members were informed of a new support program for residents' associations. This program was adopted by the municipal council on September 24. Residents' associations were invited to an information session on September 25, where sixteen associations were present. Since then, all thirty-four associations have been informed or met with. All expressed great satisfaction with the adoption of the program.
This program is created specifically for associations to offer them financial support based on the territory they serve and their activity programs. Associations may submit an application until October 18. The analysis of the applications will take place at the end of October. The presentation prompted the following comments, questions, or clarifications:
- Clarifications were requested regarding the criteria to be met by associations wishing to submit an application. It was indicated that the analysis takes into account the programming and the territory served. Three categories have been established: small, medium, and large association. Few expenses are ineligible. The objective, however, is to revitalize living environments. Funds may be allocated to the hiring of human resources or to the realization of joint projects between associations.
- Better communication with associations regarding portal update dates is desirable. It was mentioned that, following the assessment conducted, it was decided that portal update dates will be announced in advance, given that this closing period is similar from one year to the next.
- This is excellent news. This program will give associations the means to achieve their ambitions by allowing them to represent the needs of their living environments. It allows the City to standardize its methods and actions across the territory.
- All requests must be submitted to the municipal council for approval, regardless of the amount. If a change occurs to an accepted project, it must again be approved by the municipal council.
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Modification of the Reference Framework — Service Level for Dog Owners
The document Modification au Cadre de référence - Niveau de service pour les gardiens de chiens (Modification to the Reference Framework - Service Level for Dog Owners) was presented. Members received it before the meeting. The objective is to adopt a modified version of the Reference Framework and identify the next steps for the development of dog parks. The file was the subject of previous discussions at the CLSDC as well as during Cafés-citoyens held as part of the consultations on the Master Plan. The following findings were identified:
- Recognize the growing needs of dog owners for spaces allowing their animal to run off-leash;
- Establish a vision of service offering that takes into account the parameters of the service levels of the Master Plan;
- Offer a specialized service that facilitates cohabitation, taking into account the needs of all park users;
- Ensure a balanced distribution of facilities for dogs throughout the territory;
- Adapt facilities to the types of dogs;
- Evaluate the possibility of creating partnerships for facilities and operating costs;
- The importance of citizen participation activities before implementing dog exercise areas, with a validation process with the community.
The file was brought back to the attention of the CLSDC following requests from the executive committee, namely to:
- propose alternatives to the application process by groups or associations;
- identify solutions to a request that would exceed the production capacity of local dog parks.
A complaint regarding the dog park located at domaine Fairview also led to two recommendations from the City's ombudsman:
- Implement a citizen consultation process;
- Define standards related to zones in a reference document.
The issues related to service levels II (Proximity) and III (Dog exercise area) were presented. The same applies to the suggested modifications to service levels I, II, and III of the Reference Framework.
| Service Levels | Suggested Modifications |
|---|---|
| I | Identify with a "Dogs on leash in trails only" sign the parks or trails where the presence of dogs is authorized with their owners. |
| II | Respect a distance of 100 meters between dog parks and residences; specification of criteria used to constitute a list of potential dog parks; clarifications on the logistics of public consultations; detail of the vote for the validation of dog park sites. |
| III | Clarifications on public consultations for dog exercise areas; removal of the buffer zone to instead establish a minimum criterion of 100 meters between dog exercise areas and residences. |
The presentation prompted the following comments, questions, or clarifications:
- Clarifications were requested regarding statements on the Lac-Beauchamp dog park. It was indicated that this is a dog park outside the service level. The evaluation leading to the prioritization of sites takes into consideration the distance and proximity to other local dog parks. The presence of a service offering means that a site is not prioritized.
- All proposed measures will ensure better supervision, contributing to lightening the work of Service Centres as well as canine associations.
- The addition of a criterion taking into account the number of licenses sold could constitute an incentive for owners wishing for a dog park. There is a question about living together and taking into account other needs. Dog parks could lead to facilities to avoid heat islands. It was indicated that the SLSDC has already established the desirable number of dog parks. A dozen sites have been identified for this purpose. There will therefore not be an infinite deployment of dog parks. Certain places are avoided for environmental reasons. Cohabitation between various park users and those of dog parks is also taken into consideration.
- The production of an interactive map is suggested to publicize dog parks or trails allowing the presence of dogs on a leash. Collaboration with canine associations could contribute to the dissemination of information. Furthermore, it was noted that canine associations are made up of volunteers. It was asked if there are enough resources to receive a dozen parks. It is good to consider multi-housing projects to facilitate access to a dog park for owners residing there. The use of retention ponds for this type of park is considered relevant.
- It is suggested to analyze the possibility of regulating the opening hours of dog parks to counter certain issues.
Recommendation
CONSIDERING THAT the Ombudsman of Gatineau has issued recommendations; CONSIDERING THAT the addition of local dog parks constitutes an increase in the service offering; CONSIDERING THAT the construction of a local dog park requires funding between $50,000 and $100,000; CONSIDERING THAT the addition of a local dog park is evaluated in the Plan des investissements communautaires (PIC), like all other park projects; CONSIDERING THAT mitigation measures, such as noise barriers (walls, mounds, vegetation), do not reduce noise nuisance significantly and are expensive, according to the reference documents consulted:
CLSDC-2024-03 The Commission des loisirs, des sports et du développement communautaire, during its ordinary meeting of October 9, 2024, recommends to the municipal council:
- to modify the Reference Framework — Service Level for Dog Owners, as proposed.
It is proposed by Marc Bureau Supported by Moïse Mbikayi Adopted
In closing, the next steps were mentioned:
- Adoption of the Reference Framework by the municipal council;
- Identification of funding sources for the development of new dog parks;
- Prioritization of three sites to submit to consultation for future local dog parks;
- Consultations and development of two dog parks.
Break from 4:43 p.m. to 4:58 p.m. Daniel Bellemare indicated that he will refrain from taking part in the deliberations or any decision since his organization is part of the agreement.